Diamond Pro89 Dog Food Review: High-Protein Nutrition for Active Dogs

Finding the right dog food can feel overwhelming. With countless brands on the market, each claiming to be “the best,” pet owners often struggle to choose a diet that truly matches their dog’s lifestyle. Some foods are designed for everyday pets, while others are made for dogs with special needs such as those who are highly active or working dogs.

One brand that often stands out in the high-protein category is Diamond Pro89 Dog Food. Marketed as a performance-driven diet, Pro89 is designed for active and athletic dogs who require extra fuel for energy and muscle support. But is it really a good choice for your furry companion?

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Diamond Pro89, including its ingredients, nutrition profile, safety record, pros and cons, customer feedback, and whether it’s right for your dog. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if this food is the right fit.

About Diamond Pet Foods

Diamond Pet Foods is a family-owned company founded in 1970 in Meta, Missouri. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the United States, producing both its own lines and private-label brands for other companies.

Some of Diamond’s most recognized product lines include:

• Diamond Naturals – Popular for balanced nutrition at affordable prices.
• Diamond Care – Special diets for dogs with health conditions.
• Diamond Hi-Energy – Designed for working and sporting dogs.
• Diamond Pro89 – The focus of this review, built around a high-protein, performance-first formula.

Diamond manufactures its foods in company-owned facilities, which allows them to maintain better control over quality and safety. However, the brand has had several recalls in the past, something we’ll address later in this review.

Overall, Diamond Pet Foods is known for offering affordable options that still provide solid nutrition, often appealing to pet owners who want performance-style food without premium prices.

What is Diamond Pro89?

Diamond Pro89 is a high-protein, meat-first dry dog food designed specifically for active and performance-driven dogs. The name “Pro89” comes from the fact that 89% of the protein in the formula comes from animal sources.

Who is it for?

• Working dogs: Herding, guarding, police, or service dogs.
• Sporting dogs: Hunting, agility, or sled dogs.
• Very active breeds: Huskies, German Shepherds, Border Collies, or Labrador Retrievers with high energy demands.

Why is it different?

• Focuses on animal-based protein for muscle maintenance.
• Includes ancient grains such as sorghum, millet, and quinoa for digestible carbohydrates and fiber.
• Fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential minerals for overall health.

Packaging

Diamond Pro89 is usually available in large bags (40 lbs), making it cost-effective for households with big or multiple dogs.

Ingredients Breakdown

One of the best ways to evaluate dog food is by looking at the first five ingredients, since these make up the bulk of the formula. For Diamond Pro89, they typically include:

1. Beef meal – A concentrated source of animal protein.
2. Pork meal – Another high-protein meat ingredient.
3. Grain sorghum – An ancient grain rich in fiber and antioxidants.
4. Chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) – A source of essential fatty acids.
5. Dried yeast – Provides protein and digestive support.

Key Proteins

• Beef, pork, lamb, and fish meal are included, ensuring a variety of amino acids that support muscle development and recovery.
• Unlike some lower-cost foods that rely heavily on plant protein, Pro89 sticks to animal-based protein for the majority of its content.

Ancient Grains

• Sorghum, millet, and quinoa offer digestible energy and nutrients.
• These are considered healthier alternatives to corn or wheat.

Added Nutrients

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Support skin and coat health.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin: Promote joint health, especially important for athletic dogs.
• Antioxidants (vitamins E, selenium): Support immune function.

Controversial Ingredients

• Dried yeast: While generally safe, some dogs may be sensitive to it.
• Natural flavor: A vague term that some pet owners dislike, though it is common in many dog foods.

Overall, the ingredient list is strong and performance-focused, with a clear emphasis on meat protein and functional grains.

Nutritional Profile (Guaranteed Analysis)

Here’s the breakdown of Diamond Pro89’s guaranteed analysis:

• Crude Protein: 30%
• Crude Fat: 20%
• Crude Fiber: 2.5%
• Moisture: 10%

What this means:

• Protein (30%): Well above the average dog food protein level of 22–26%. This is ideal for working and athletic dogs that burn more energy.
• Fat (20%): Higher than average, providing concentrated energy. This helps sustain endurance activities.
• Fiber (2.5%): Relatively low, which means easier digestion and fewer bulky stools.
• Carbohydrates: Estimated around 40–45%, mostly from ancient grains.

Compared to standard dog foods, Pro89 clearly leans toward performance-driven nutrition, offering more calories and nutrients for active lifestyles.

Diamond Pro89 Recalls & Safety History

Diamond Pet Foods has experienced recalls in the past, which raises concerns for some owners.

• 2012: A large recall due to potential Salmonella contamination affecting multiple Diamond brands.
• 2005 & 2007: Recalls related to aflatoxin contamination (mold found in corn).

What about Pro89?

• So far, Diamond Pro89 itself has not been directly recalled.
• Diamond claims to have improved safety measures in its facilities, including testing ingredients and finished products before distribution.

While the past recalls may worry some pet parents, many still trust Diamond due to its affordability and improved safety practices since those incidents.

Pros of Diamond Pro89

• High-protein formula: 89% of protein from animal sources.
• Rich in omega fatty acids: Helps maintain healthy skin and shiny coats.
• Ancient grains included: Sorghum, millet, and quinoa are nutrient-dense and easily digestible.
• Affordable performance food: Costs less than premium brands like Orijen or Acana.
• Fortified for health: Includes antioxidants, vitamins, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

Cons of Diamond Pro89

• Too rich for some dogs: Inactive or older dogs may gain weight or experience digestive upset.
• Recall history: While Pro89 hasn’t been recalled, the company’s past history may concern cautious buyers.
• Limited recipe variety: Only a few Pro89 formulas available compared to other Diamond lines.
• Not widely available in small pet stores: Often sold in feed stores or online rather than major chains.

Customer Reviews & Feedback

Looking at customer feedback across online retailers and forums gives us valuable insight.

Positive Reviews

• Many owners of working dogs (hunting breeds, herding dogs) praise Pro89 for providing energy and endurance.
• Reports of improved coat quality and shiny fur after switching.
• Dogs seem to enjoy the flavor and eat eagerly.

Negative Reviews

• Some dogs experience digestive upset (soft stools, gas) during the transition period.
• Owners of less active dogs find the formula too calorie-dense, leading to weight gain.
• A few reviews express concern about Diamond’s recall history.

Overall, feedback is mostly positive, especially from households with highly active dogs.

Is Diamond Pro89 Right for Your Dog?

Best For:

• Working dogs with high energy needs.
• Sporting breeds like pointers, retrievers, and hounds.
• Younger, active dogs that burn calories quickly.

Not Ideal For:

• Senior dogs with slower metabolisms.
• Overweight or low-activity pets.
• Dogs with sensitivities to grains or yeast.

If you decide to switch, remember to transition gradually over 7–10 days by mixing old food with Pro89. This reduces digestive upset.

Alternatives to Diamond Pro89

If Pro89 isn’t the right fit, consider these alternatives:

1. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete
   • Another high-protein formula with chicken and rice.
   • Slightly less fat content than Pro89.
2. Victor Hi-Pro Plus
   • Popular high-protein, multi-meat formula.
   • Trusted for working dogs.
3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie
   • Grain-free, high-protein with bison and venison.
   • Suitable for sensitive dogs.
4. Orijen Original
   • Premium option with 85% animal ingredients.
   • Much more expensive than Diamond.

These provide similar performance nutrition, though pricing varies significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Diamond Pro89 grain-free?
No, it includes ancient grains like sorghum, millet, and quinoa.

Can puppies eat Diamond Pro89?
It’s designed for adult dogs. Puppies should have food specifically formulated for growth.

How much should I feed my dog?
Feeding depends on weight and activity level. Check the bag’s guidelines and consult your vet.

Where can I buy Diamond Pro89?
Commonly found at farm supply stores, feed stores, and online retailers like Chewy or Amazon.

Does Pro89 help with muscle growth?
Yes, its high protein content supports muscle maintenance and recovery in active dogs.

Conclusion

Diamond Pro89 Dog Food is a strong contender for pet owners looking to fuel highly active or working dogs. With 30% protein, 20% fat, and 89% of protein from animal sources, it’s designed to keep performance dogs strong, energized, and healthy.

While the brand’s recall history may give some pause, Pro89 itself has never been recalled, and many owners report excellent results in their dogs’ health and performance.

If your dog is a high-energy athlete, Pro89 may be the right match. But if your pup is more of a couch companion, this formula may be too calorie-dense. Always consult your vet before switching diets, and consider transitioning gradually.

At the end of the day, Diamond Pro89 offers affordable, performance-focused nutrition that delivers where it matters most energy, muscle support, and overall vitality.